Ex-Spinifex student shares passion for rural and remote health

James Cook University (JCU) second-year medical student Charlotte Leech returned to Spinifex State College to lead 30 budding health professionals through practice cases illustrating the need for health workers in rural and remote communities.

A college student from 2015-2020, Charlotte was participating in JCU’s Club RHINO (Rural Health in the Northern Outback), which promotes rural and remote health careers.

As part of her presentation, she showed students in years 10-12 how to use stethoscopes to listen to their hearts.

Charlotte said growing up in Mount Isa where she spent much time on cattle stations, riding horses and engaging in community events, had all contributed to her passion for living and working in the bush.

 “I look forward to being able on my graduation to contribute to rural and remote communities where my services are needed the most.”

She has already gained clinical experience during her university studies through placements at Gidgee Healing in Mount Isa and Mount Isa Hospital.

Charlotte said her Gidgee Healing experience taught her much about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

“It was great to see how the doctors and nurses have such a deep and meaningful impact on the lives of their patients and the Indigenous community by providing culturally appropriate and continuous care.”